Mauresmo retires from professional tennis

Amelie Mauresmo, 30, has announced she has retired from professional tennis after an illustrious career spanning 17 years.

Mauresmo, a former world No. 1, turned pro in 1993. She won 25 singles titles and finished runner-up on a further 23 occasions.

In 2006, Mauresmo was crowned champion at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, her only two Grand Slam victories. She also reached the doubles final at The All England Club a year earlier.

In Fed Cup by BNP Paribas play, Mauresmo made her debut for France in 1998, an away defeat against Switzerland. She went on to play 21 ties and became her nation’s most successful ever singles player, compiling a win-loss ratio of 30-9.

In the 2003 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final, Mauresmo won both her singles rubbers in France’s 4-1 victory over USA, the second title for the French team having first triumphed in 1997. She also played in the side that finished runner-up in 2005.

"On behalf of the tennis family, I want to wish Amelie Mauresmo the best of luck in her new life now that she has retired from tennis," said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President.

"She has been a great ambassador for the sport throughout her career and I don’t expect that to stop, just because she is not competing anymore.

"She has always answered the call to play for France in Fed Cup by BNP Paribas and in the Olympic Games, and has been an inspiration for many young players and for her colleagues.

"Her beautiful backhand and her wonderful smile are qualities that have distinguished her over her career. We will miss her on the court but I hope that she will use her energies off the court on behalf of tennis."